Serenity NOW!

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Serenity PrayerBalance! It’s what I decided would be the one word that would describe how I wanted to grow and improve my life in 2013. I entered into a 12-step program 142 days ago for compulsive eaters. I never considered myself as someone with an eating disorder although I had always been overweight. The fact of the matter is throughout my life I probably could have entered into any of the 12 step programs available out in the world; a program for alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, work, etc. You name it, at some point in my life I obsessed with each of them to a point they could have been labeled addiction!

So many people like myself, in an attempt to feel like we have some control in our lives when things actually seem to be spiraling out of control, turn to so many things outside of ourselves that actually only mask the issues we are dealing with. I realized that when I started the 12-step program, food was not the problem; it was years of not having balance in my life; worrying about things that were out of my control; ignoring things I could have affected; and trying to fill a spiritual void with things that cannot possibly exist in a peace-filled spirit; that was my problem. It’s when I turned things over to God and His will for me, and adopted the Serenity Prayer into my life daily, that I began to experience peace and joy at a level I never dreamed of. I thought I would share with you briefly what this simple, 3 section prayer is doing for me and what I believe it can do for whomever embraces it!

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change! I’m not sure if it’s a guy thing or just a people thing in general, but I can speak for myself in that I always felt like I needed to fix everything; be the problem-solver as though it was my job. If you are like me, you realize how much needless pressure we have been putting on ourselves our entire lives. When I came to a point where I really wanted things to change and to begin living a life of peace and joy, I took the first step. I turned my life over to God! I was incapable of changing by myself but with His strength and guidance, at least I began to believe! Then it was time to truly let go of a lot of things; but that’s where I need for God to give me the strength so that I could just let some things be and have faith in Him that they are like they are for a reason. I may not understand them but that is OK as well! Β He has got my back!

Courage to change the things I can. With the chaos of always trying to fix things I never had the capability to change, I totally ignored the simple things I could change that would actually make a positive difference in my life. Things such as praying everyday; working out; eating right; taking some quiet time; playing with my kids; taking my wife for a night out; I could go on! The fact that when I began to let go and let God, it was as if life slowed a little and I had the time I needed to do what is truly important, LIFE! PEOPLE! RELATIONSHIPS! CONNECTING! Not money, jobs, social status, etc. What can you change and begin to move in that direction!

Serenity

And the Wisdom to know the difference! Wisdom is something we are not typically born with; it is acquired by turning to God and letting Him guide you. He may place certain people in your life that bring you wisdom. He may allow you to experience some struggle that when you come out of the other side, you are stronger and you have gained wisdom. Regardless of how you receive, you must be constantly pursuing an increase of wisdom in your life. When this happens, clarity begins to drift in and you know the things you can and can’t change! You begin to experience peace, joy and balance in all areas of your life! You realize that the control you desired when drinking, gambling, eating or whatever addiction possessed you can actually be found by surrender! Letting go! It can be hard to understand how one can feel a sense of control in their life by relinquishing control; but then again that is the awesomeness of God! He can make the impossible; possible! Serenity NOW!

15 Responses to “Serenity NOW!”

  1. Vitality2day

    Thank you for sharing such a personal experience. Yes, balance is so important and sometimes so difficult. For me personally I have been struggling with understanding that my self worth has notering to do with achievements or accompishments. That no matter what I accomplish och don’t accomplish, my self worth doesn’t change. Some days I still struggle with this, but change takes time and this year this is the gift I’g giving my self. Time and space for change.

    Reply
    • divineimpacts

      Thanks for sharing. I totally understand; its sad we live in a world where we have come to judge our self-worth by earthly measures as opposed to the God-given spiritual and heart value. I struggle myself with that at times! I appreciate you kind words and appreciate it greatly! THANKS!

      Reply
  2. Susie

    Loved it! I am the family fixer…always have been, but lately I have found the freedom in accepting the things that I cannot change. To let go and let God is harder than we think, but in hindsight it is always a blessing when we do. Thanks for being so transparent.

    Reply
    • divineimpacts

      Thank you so much for the affirming comment. I think so many of us feel we were put on this earth to fix everything; but that can’t possibly be so what end up is a shoulder full of purposeless burden. It is nice to figure that our finally..lol…again thanks so much for the comment!

      Reply
  3. jayhawk2008

    Awesome post. And very courageous. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward form here.

    Reply
  4. Melinda

    Balance can be so hard to find. God bless your 12 step journey!

    Reply
    • divineimpacts

      Melinda, thanks so much for the kind comment. I totally agree that balance can be the test of all test BUT the encouraging thing is I know it can be reached! Thanks again for sharing!

      Reply
  5. carolsteinberg

    It’s beautiful that you have found help and want to share it so much with others.

    Reply
  6. Amy

    Awesome post, Jeff. We are living in a fallen world, and each of us have a God-shaped hole inside of us. We can stuff it full of food or alcohol or whatever, but it’s meant to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We can only find true contentment through Christ. Thanks for this reminder!

    Reply
  7. Donovan Dreyer

    Hey Jeff,
    The will can use what it believes to be freedom and go off in an infinite number of wrong directions. Cleaning house and heart for something better makes a difference. Keep making that impact and difference!

    Reply
  8. Sara

    Hi there fellow 12 stepper. The Serenity Prayer has been the most powerful tool for me in recovery, not just in life’s little struggles but especially when it comes to other people. I have another version for those naysayers that try and trip you up on your road to serenity:
    God Grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the ONE I can and the wisdom to know that is ME.
    All the best in your recovery xxx

    Reply
    • divineimpacts

      Sara! That is an INCREDIBLE version! Thanks so much for sharing it with me; and may your Higher Power continue to heal you! πŸ™‚

      Reply

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